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Oregon Homeschool Funding

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Last updated: October 8, 2025

Oregon Homeschool Funding

District services and charter alternatives.

OR
Funding guide
State programs

Main program

Program name: Independent Homeschool (notice to local ESD)

Admin: Local Education Service Districts (ESDs); state guidance via Oregon Department of Education

Typical award

Amount: No direct state funding to independent homeschools

Disbursement: N/A (families self-fund; public online charters supply materials directly)

Who qualifies

  • Residency: Oregon resident child of compulsory school age whose parent/guardian files notice with the local ESD.
  • Age/grade: Compulsory attendance generally from ages 6–18 (K–12).
  • Needs/other: Students with disabilities may request evaluation through the district; services depend on enrollment setting.

Timeline

  • Notice of Intent: Within 10 days of beginning homeschool or moving into an ESD area.
  • Testing years: End of grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 (see details below).
  • Activities eligibility: OSAA requires qualifying test results by Aug 15 for the coming school year (if joining school sports/activities).

Overview

Oregon does not operate an ESA or reimbursement program for independent homeschoolers. Families who file a Notice of Intent with their local Education Service District (ESD) educate at home at their own expense and must follow state rules on notification and periodic standardized testing. Separately, families may choose a public online charter school—these are public schools (not legally “homeschool”) that provide curriculum and materials directly. Homeschooled students may also access certain district opportunities (e.g., activities) under state and OSAA rules.

Programs

Independent Homeschool (Notice to ESD)

  • Type: Parent-directed home education (no state funds)
  • Award: None (family-funded)
  • Uses: Family chooses all curriculum, providers, tech, tests; must meet testing timelines in specified grades.
  • Admin: Local ESD receives notices and records testing compliance; statewide guidance via ODE.

Key rules include filing a Notice of Intent and testing in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 using a norm-referenced assessment by a qualified tester. See sources below for specifics.

ODE homeschool overview • Example ESD homeschool page (High Desert ESD)

Public Online Charter Alternatives

  • Type: Public charter schools (remote/online)
  • Award: No cash to families; schools supply curriculum, licensed teachers, devices/materials as school property.
  • Uses: Core and elective courses, special education services (if eligible), and school-issued materials.
  • Admin: Charter schools authorized by Oregon districts and overseen by ODE.

Families wanting publicly provided curriculum and teacher support can apply to online charters (e.g., district-run virtual programs). Enrollment windows and offerings vary by school.

Eligibility

  • Residency: Student resides in Oregon; parent/guardian files Notice of Intent with the ESD serving their address.
  • Age/grade: Compulsory attendance applies generally ages 6–18; homeschool may begin earlier at family’s discretion.
  • Prior enrollment: No public school enrollment required to begin homeschooling; file notice within 10 days of withdrawal/arrival.
  • Income / IEP: No income limit. Students with disabilities may request evaluation (“Child Find”) via the district; services depend on setting.
  • Activities (OSAA): For interscholastic sports/activities at the resident school, homeschoolers must meet OSAA academic eligibility (e.g., standardized test at/above the 23rd percentile by Aug 15) and be registered with the ESD.

How to apply

  1. File Notice of Intent with your local ESD (within 10 days of starting homeschooling or moving into the ESD). Most ESDs offer an online form or PDF.
  2. Choose curriculum & plan testing for grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 with an approved/qualified tester. Keep results; submit if requested or when needed for activities eligibility.
  3. (Optional) Apply to a public online charter instead of homeschooling if you want a public-school program to provide curriculum/teachers. Apply via the school’s website.
  4. (Optional) Activities: If your child will join OSAA activities at your resident public school, complete the OSAA homeschool eligibility steps (including testing timelines) and any district forms.

Example: ESD Notice of Intent (Willamette ESD)
OSAA Handbook & eligibility information

Covered expenses

  • Independent homeschool: Family pays for curriculum & textbooks
  • Tutoring / instruction
  • Special education therapies (private, unless receiving services through a public program)
  • Tests & assessments
  • Educational software
  • Supplies & materials
  • Field trips (educational)
  • Tech (device/accessories)
  • Fees (lab, exam, etc.)
  • Public online charters supply materials directly; no reimbursements to families.

Deadlines

Milestone Date Notes
Notice of Intent to ESD Within 10 days of starting homeschool or moving Submit to your local ESD; keep a copy for your records.
Testing years End of grades 3, 5, 8, 10 Schedule with a qualified tester; retain results.
OSAA activities eligibility By Aug 15 Provide qualifying test results and meet district/OSAA requirements to participate in fall activities.
Online charter enrollment Varies by school Many open spring–summer; check the school’s site.

Docs & forms

Official sources

FAQs

Does Oregon offer ESA reimbursements or stipends for homeschool?
No. Independent homeschools do not receive public funds. If you enroll in a public online charter, the school provides curriculum/materials as part of public education (no cash to families).
What testing is required and when?
Standardized, norm-referenced tests are required after grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 by a qualified tester. Keep results; submit if requested by the ESD or for OSAA activities eligibility (test by Aug 15 for the new school year).
Can homeschoolers join public school sports or classes?
Yes, many districts allow participation in interscholastic activities at the resident public school if OSAA and district requirements are met (including test score thresholds). Part-time class enrollment may be available per local policy.
How do special education evaluations/services work?
Families can request an evaluation through their resident district. Services depend on whether the student is enrolled in a public program (e.g., charter) or is an independent homeschooler with a district “services plan.”

Contacts

Homeschool (ESD) support

Contact the homeschool office at your local Education Service District (ESD) for notice/testing logistics.
Example: Willamette ESD homeschool page

Oregon Department of Education

ODE website

Law & regulations